Two thirds of zero hours workers want jobs with guaranteed hours

Most people on zero-hours contracts are not on them by choice, recent union polling has revealed.

The poll shows that two-thirds of zero-hours workers would rather have a contract with guaranteed hours and just one in four zero-hours workers say they prefer being on zero-hours contracts.

The survey shows that the main reason people are on zero-hours contracts is because it is the only type of work available to them. More than half of zero-hours workers are thinking about quitting their job over the coming year.

The polling found that many zero-hours workers are missing out on basic rights at work:

Only 12% say they get sick pay.

Only 7% would get redundancy pay.

43% say they don't get holiday pay.

47% say they do not get written terms and conditions.

Just 5% say they have the right to a permanent contract after working the same hours consistently.

The poll also reveals the ‘last minute' nature of zero-hours working. More than half of zero-hours workers have had shifts cancelled at less than 24 hours' notice and nearly three-quarters have been offered work at less than 24 hours' notice.

Nearly two-fifths of zero-hours workers say they wouldn't be able to cope with an unexpected bill of £500.

The United Road Transport Union is calling on the government to clamp down on zero-hours working. Every job should be a great job. But far too many workers across the UK are being treated like disposable labour.